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Version 2.0

Artist: Garbage
Genre: Alternative
Year: 1998
Rating: 7 / 10

When Garbage burst onto the scene in the mid 1990s, no one really knew what to expect of them. A beautiful, young singer with outrageous hair teamed with three veteran producers who wanted to try their hand at becoming musicians in an alternative band. With their super-successful, self-titled debut, Garbage - Shirley Manson, Duke Erikson, Steve Marker, and Butch Vig - served notice that they were a band to be reckoned with. With their 1998 release Version 2.0, Garbage has made it a point to let the public know that they are hear to stay.

While the band's initial release contains a mix of winners - "Queer," "I'm Only Happy When It Rains" - and losers, Version 2.0 is a more consistent album, showcasing a wide array of musical styles. Garbage felt more like Shirley Manson's album, as she wailed her way through most of the band's hits. Version 2.0 has the feel of a more complete album, featuring the musical talent's of the band's other members. While early hit "Push It" has received much of the radio airplay, due in large part to its catchy chorus and driving guitar riffs, it is but one of many exceptional tracks on this album.

"Temptation Waits," the opening number, kicks off the album with its rhythmic pounding, right up to the introduction of the bass guitar, on through Manson's "There's so much at stake, I can't afford to wait". Listening to this tune jam along, I never seem to know if I can either. Of course, that might be because "I Think I'm Paranoid," which follows "Temptation," is for me Garbage's most electrifying song yet. The song surges through the listener, as Manson implores us to "Love me!" The feverish guitar work at the song's close provides an interesting contrast to the next segment of the album, where Garbage chooses to show their fans the other musical directions of which they are capable.

"When I Grow Up" and "Medication" illustrate the band's ability to slow down the pace of their music, showcasing Manson's vocal range. However, just when it appears as though the band is mellowing before our eyes, "Hammering in My Head" and "Push It" remind us of the band's booming potential. These songs should be labeled as ideal driving music, as nothing beats the rush they allow when their cranked-up sound powers its way through one's speakers. Determined not to be categorized, Garbage once again changes its pace, closing with the ballad "You Look So Fine".

Version 2.0 comes across as an invigorating, complete album, yet its greatest advantage may also serve as its only problem. For all of the album's consistency, the album lacks any truly stellar song, around which the casual fan can rally. "Push It" is adequete, yet lacks the fire of the lead offerings from the band's first album. All in all, though, the album is a pleasant surprise. And when Shirley Manson tells us in "You Look So Fine": "I'm not like all of the other girls", we know it could not be any more true...

Submitted 9/1/98.